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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I direct inquiries for general information?

First, see if your question can be answered by referring to the information on this page. Second, see if you can find your answer elsewhere on our website or at our parent organization's site at coachfederation.org. If you still are unable to find the answer to your question, email us at admin@icfmetrodc.org.

If you're a brand-new member: First of all, welcome to the chapter! Please note that the log-in procedure for our local ICF Metro DC Chapter is NOT the same as the procedure for ICF Global, and it may take up to two weeks for your information to be available at icfmetrodc.org. Once your information is in our database, you will be sent an email with your temporary password and instructions for setting up a permanent password. If you have not seen this email within two weeks after joining ICF, please check your Spam or Junk folder. Be sure to keep your passwords in a secure but easily accessible location. Remember that your chapter log-in ID is whatever email address you provided to ICF. The log-in page to the chapter website is http://icfmetrodc.org/members.php.

If you're a not-so new member who is logging in to this iteration of the website for the first time: Your log-in for this site is different from the one you used on the old site. Go to the website Log-In screen and follow the instructions using the email address you have on file at coachfederation.org. An email for resetting your password will be sent to you You will be sent an email with information for resetting your password. If you do not see it in your Inbox within a few minutes, please check your Spam or Junk folder. If you still can't log in, please email admin@icfmetrodc.org.

If you're just not sure of your log-in: Go to the website Log-In screen. Click on "Forgot Username/Password?" and follow the instructions. You will be sent an email with information for resetting your password. If you do not see it in your Inbox within a few minutes, please check your Spam or Junk folder.

If you have recently changed the email address in your profile at coachfederation.org: It may take up to two weeks for your new information to be available at icfmetrodc.org. Meanwhile, you can use your previous log-in information. If you're logging into site for the first time, see No. 3 above.

I'm an ICF member, but can't access the member rate for one of your chapter events. What can I do?

You must be logged in to the website to access the member rate. If you are unable to log in with the help of the instructions in the FAQ above, there may be a hiccup with your membership. Our membership records come to us from our global parent organization. Please check with ICF to make sure that your ICF membership is current (membership must be renewed annually) and that ICF Metro DC has been selected as your local chapter. (It can take up to two weeks for your new information to be available at icfmetrodc.org. If you recently paid your membership dues, try re-registering for the event just after the 1st or 15th of the month (whichever comes next). If the event is imminent and you want to register right away, you may contact our administrative support staff at admin@icfmetrodc.org.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Mastercard and Visa.

Can I pay by American Express?

No, only Mastercard and Visa.

How do I find out if I’ve already registered for the upcoming event?

There are two ways to check this:

You should always receive by email two receipts for each event for which you have registered: One if from our secure credit card processor (Authorize.net) and the other is from the chapter website. So check your email inbox or deleted folder.

You can log in to the chapter website and click on "View My Order History" under the METRO DC MEMBERS box on the left.

What should I do if I can't find my event receipt?

First, make sure it's an ICF Metro DC event. Many ICF members are also members of the local chapters of ASTD, CBODN, SHRM, etc.

Then, check your email. When you register you receive two receipts, one from the credit card processor (Authorize.net) and one from the chapter website.

And finally, you can print a copy of your receipt by logging into the chapter website and clicking on "View My Order History."

Refund Policy

The ICF Metro DC Chapter has a no refund policy for webinars. In person Chapter programs only permit refunds as long as notice is given 72 hours prior to the event date and 2. incurs a $10 administrative processing fee; or you may choose to leave a full credit on your account towards a future program.

As our members know, one of the many benefits of the Metro DC Chapter is that ICF members do not incur any additional fees to join the Chapter. Another wonderful benefit is the educational and informational programs organized by Professional Development. Due to credit card processing fees, administrative costs, and venue minimum guarantees we are unable to offer refunds within 72 hours. This allows us to adequately manage our annual budget effectively.

If you are unable to attend an event within 72 hours we encourage you to transfer your registration to someone else. If you are able to find someone to take your place simply send the name and email of your replacement to admin@icfmetrodc.org, and we’ll update our registration list. If you have additional questions you may contact treasurer@icfmetrodc.org.

How do I change my email address?

To change your email address, please log in to your account at coachfederation.org. Click on the “Members” tab, select "My Membership" and select "Edit Profile" in the box on the left. It may take up to two weeks to synch this updated information with our local site's database. Please remember that once your email does change in our database, your "ICF Metro DC ID" will change to that new address.

Why doesn't my ICF password work on your chapter website?

There are two separate log-in processes for the two separate websites. We do not share user IDs and passwords for security reasons.

How do I get listed in the Find a Coach service?

The Metro DC Chapter of the International Coach Federation offers a free online service to assist individuals in identifying and selecting coaches best suited for their particular situation. ICF Metro DC members are automatically listed in the Not Classified section, but if you’d like the public to have more details on your coaching practice, follow these directions:

Log in and go to Your Find a Coach Profile under the Metro DC Members menu.

Fill out the sections labeled Business Information, Custom Fields and Biography. Add an image of yourself, if you’d like. (Note: You cannot make changes to any area shaded gray. That information comes to our chapter from your profile at coachfederation.org.)

Finally, go to the Groups section and click Edit. In the pop-up window under Available Groups, you’ll see two subsections with arrows: Business Categories and Member Groups. Under each subsection, you will find a list of coaching areas of specialty/expertise. Pick your areas in each subsection by clicking on the Assign button. When you are done, click the blue FINISH button in the bottom left corner of the pop-up window.

ICF Metro DC Chapter Membership

How do I join ICF?

In order to join ICF Metro DC Chapter, you must first join our parent organization, The International Coach Federation. Go to coachfederation.org and click on Membership. There is wealth of information here on the process and benefits of joining the International Coach Federation.

How do I become a member of ICF Metro DC?

When you join the International Coach Federation (see details) and pay your dues, you will be asked to designate a chapter for your membership. Be sure to designate the ICF Metro DC chapter. (There are no additional chapter membership dues).

What are the benefits of joining ICF Metro DC?

Being involved with ICF Metro DC is an excellent way to develop your skills as a coach, get resources to help you build your coaching business, and make new connections and friends. For a complete description, check out our member benefits page.

Can I join your chapter if I am also a member of another chapter?

Yes, you can. However, if you have already designated another chapter as your membership chapter when you joined or renewed your ICF membership, you MUST change your designated chapter to ICF Metro DC. That is the only way you can enjoy the membership benefits of ICF Metro DC. You may then become a member of any other chapter, provided you meet their membership requirements.

Why do I have to pay a separate membership fee when I join some chapters, but not ICF Metro DC?

ICF Metro DC is a considered an ICF "charter chapter." As such, we receive a portion of every membership fee paid to ICF when ICF Metro DC Chapter is designated as the member's chapter. As the largest ICF chapter in North American with more than 800 members, we've never found a need to charge a separate chapter membership fee. Other chapters that are smaller and/or not a charter chapter may find it necessary to charge a chapter membership fee in order to support their work.

How can I become active in the ICF Metro DC Chapter?

Consider attending one of our monthly meetings, webinars, networking events, and especially the annual Capital Coaches Conference. You can find all of these events posted on our website at icfmetrodc.org. You also will receive emails on chapter events.

Another great way to become involved is to serve as a volunteer at the Capital Coaches Conference, as a pro bono coach through our Community Outreach program, or as a member of one of our volunteer committees. A list of volunteer opportunities can be found on our website. You must be a member to access this page.

How can I volunteer for a committee?

We are a volunteer organization and, as such, we welcome your expertise and/or your willingness to help out. Visit our chapter Volunteer Opportunities page on our website. You must be a member to access this page.

How does someone become an ICF chapter board member?

Most board members have served as chapter volunteers and been active in chapter events. Serving on the board of directors is not only a great way to "give back," it offers an opportunity to expand your leadership capabilities, meet a wide range of interesting people, and immerse yourself in the coaching profession. Express interest in serving to one or more of our current board members. Each September, the Board Nominating Committee issues a notice that the board is seeking candidates for positions for the next year. Nominate yourself or ask a fellow chapter member to nominate you.

How do I get started as a new member?

As a new member, you will receive a new member package with information and resources for answers to any questions you have. Attend a chapter event or volunteer for a committee. You will begin to feel at home in no time.

After you get your new member information, attend a monthly chapter function as soon as possible. You can also reach out to the membership director for information on ways to connect into one of the myriad volunteer teams that are the engine of our chapter. This will immediately help you get to know other coaches and begin networking. We are a very inclusive and encouraging chapter as we help one another grow professionally and personally. Also, feel free to refer to this FAQ as often as you need. Welcome again to the ICF Metro DC chapter.

How do I connect with the chapter's social media community?

Click on each link below to visit the corresponding social media community.

We encourage you to join any or all of these communities and to participate actively. You do not have to be a member of ICF to participate in these communities, though it is preferred.

There are so many excellent coach-training programs that it would be impossible to recommend any one program. We do highly recommend that you choose a program that has been certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). To research available ACTP options, go to http://www.coachfederation.org/icfcredentials/program-search/.

Should I get into professional coaching?

That's a big decision and one that should not be made lightly or without a great deal of research into the world of professional coaching. We suggest that you talk to as many coaches as you can and find out what it's like to be a coach. You might even consider hiring a career coach who can help you determine whether coaching is the right profession for you. Make sure that you ask about the challenges as well as the rewards. Some local governments, as part of their adult education programs, offer an introductory course about professional coaching. The website of the International Coach Federation has a great deal of information about the profession.

Is starting a coaching business financially viable?

It certainly can be. AND there are a lot of things to consider. How will you market your business? Who is your target market? What areas of coaching most appeal to you? How hard are you willing or able to work at building a new business? What resources do you need and have? Do you have the skills to build and run a business on your own or will you need to hire other professionals? What skills can you offer in addition to coaching (organizational assessment and development, training, facilitation, strategic planning and consulting, etc.)

Courses and books on starting and running a coaching business are widely available. The ICF Metro DC chapter periodically offers coach-specific educational events on the subject, especially at the annual Capital Coaches Conference in June.

How can I meet someone who specializes in the kind of coaching I might want to do?

First and foremost, we recommend networking at the live ICF Metro DC events. You can also connect through the ICF Metro DC social media communities to make a specific request. Finally, visit our website's Find a Coach page at.

How can I market my program or business on your website?

The instructions for promoting your event or business are posted here on our website. There you’ll also find instructions for adding your event to our biweekly newsletter News & Notes newsletter, which is distributed to thousands of coaches and others around the Metro DC area.

The easiest way is to ask other members you know and trust for a recommendation. Talk to coaches at a chapter event. You also can find information on getting a mentor coach on our website here or contact our Membership Director at membership@icfmetrodc.org.

What assistance does your chapter offer with the ICF credentialing process?

See the discussion on mentor coaches above. In addition, the chapter periodically offers various educational events that focus on developing the specific core competencies required for ICF credentials.

I lost my CCEU certificate for a chapter program. How do I get documentation that I attended?

We strongly recommend that you keep your CCEU paperwork in a safe and easily accessible place. Requesting additional sets of documentation is a time-consuming process that requires our administrative support staff to manually search through files of paper documents. However, if you simply cannot find your paperwork, you may contact our administrative support staff at admin@icfmetrodc.org.

Thank you for taking the time to read this page. We encourage your comments, suggestions, and feedback so that we can better serve your needs. Contact us at admin@icfmetrodc.org.